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SPLENDOR IN SAN SIMEON<br />
Head up the hill to San Simeon’s historic Hearst Castle (tickets are available at<br />
HearstCastle.org), the 90,000-square-foot home of newspaper magnate William<br />
Randolph Hearst from the 1920s through 1947. Populated with art and antiquities<br />
from across the world, the castle welcomed personalities including Charlie<br />
Chaplin, Winston Churchill and Greta Garbo in its day. Don’t miss the Neptune<br />
Pool, a marvel of classical architecture; the Egyptian Sekhmet figure in the garden,<br />
dating back over 1,000 years before the birth of Christ; or a glimpse at the zebras<br />
wandering Hearst Ranch, remnants from the zoo Hearst built to entertain guests.<br />
Not into all the grandeur? Chill out in old San Simeon, just across Highway 1,<br />
where Hearst’s private beach has been opened to the public as the William R.<br />
Hearst Memorial State Beach. Laze on the beach, paddle out in a kayak or bring<br />
your pole and fish from the pier—no fishing license necessary.<br />
HANG WITH THE<br />
ELEPHANT SEALS<br />
Just north of San Simeon, Mother<br />
Nature is on full, glorious display<br />
at the Piedras Blancas Elephant<br />
Seal Rookery. A breeding and<br />
birthing ground for the northern<br />
elephant seal, the rookery is<br />
just off Highway 1 and offers<br />
unparalleled views of these unique<br />
“locals” in their natural habitat, all<br />
completely free of charge. Come<br />
for the peak of birthing season in<br />
January, the peak of mating season<br />
(and comically entertaining fights<br />
between males) around Valentine’s<br />
Day and the height of elephant<br />
seals on the beach in October.<br />
72 | <strong>2019</strong> <strong>SLO</strong> <strong>CAL</strong>® VISITORS MAGAZINE
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